e Word Guidelines
Font sizes
Do not use fractional point sizes. Word only accepts increments of half a point, so when specifying the size of the type, do so to the nearest half-point size—i.e., you can use 8.5pt but not 8.25pt. (You can specify leading to the nearest tenth of a point, though.)
Justified Paragraphs
When designing for Word try not to use justified text unless absolutely necessary. Unlike desktop publishing appliucations such as Adobe InDesign, Word justifies lines using only word spacing - it doesn't vary the character spacing at all. This leads to unsightly gaps between words, and rivers of white space through a paragraph.
Margins
Margins are specified from the top of the page to the ascenders of the type and from the bottom of the page to the descenders of the type - not to the baseline of the line.
Rules
In Word, line rules for borders are measured in points (about one-third of a millimetre) and are only available in the following sizes: 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2.25, 3, 4.5 and 6 pts.
Dotted or dashed rules are extremely limited and may have to be reproduced as a graphic (making the files bigger) if a particular style is required.
Colour
Word's handling of colour is fairly basic, so keep any use of colour simple.
Usability
Remember that Word is not an advanced publishing programme. Although multi-column layouts, complex pages or overlapping type can be created in Word, it may be difficult, or even impossible to produce a matching template that is easy for the average Word user to use.
Expectations
Keep your expectations of what can be achieved low, but do not be afraid to ask if something is possible - you may be surprised!
General | PowerPoint
More questions on Word?
Please get in touch – we’d be happy to help.